What does a wedding photography package actually mean and what does it generally include? This is a question I get asked more often than you think. This is also such a good question to ask because it does kind of vary from photographer to photographer.
Everyone runs their business differently, and this means that you will for sure run into some differences. In this blog post, we’ll cover most of the questions you might have when looking for a wedding photographer. Hopefully, this will give you some insight on most wedding photographers “way of doing things”.
P.S: The information in this post does not just apply to only wedding photographers and their wedding photography packages. Many of these points and questions can also be taken into your communication/booking process with videographers or other wedding vendors!
Let’s Talk About “Wedding Photography Packages”
Seeing that I talk about photography packages on a daily basis with my clients – and potential clients – I think it’s important to touch base here first. When we talk about wedding photography packages, we actually mean the packages we have put together for you. These are here for you to see what a booking with us could look like.
This doesn’t mean that these are the fixed hours and rates for services we offer (although for some it does, so please read through all the information your photographer gives you, and always ask for clarification if you are unclear about anything). This is just a great way for you to get an idea of what a day of coverage could look like for you on your wedding day. These packages are – mostly – easy to alter to your needs, wishes, and requirements.
BTW: These presentations, specific photography packages, and what they include is most likely a result of months of thinking, brainstorming, and setting everything together as it is. Trust me, they did not just make up a random number.
Guiding you to the right coverage and even above
As for so many of you, this is your first wedding. You might have some experience from the sidelines as a person of honour or a family member, but believe me, doing all the work – especially making all the decisions – yourself is waaay bigger than it might have seemed from the sidelines.
So when it comes to “how many hours do we want and need?” or even “what should our wedding timeline look like?” – it’s quite difficult to actually pinpoint in the early stages. Good thing is that most of us professional (and also kick-ass) wedding photographers are here to help and serve you towards the right coverage – and even above that!
I know that myself and my fellow photographer friends are not trying to sell you our highest wedding photography package – unless you actually need and want it. We are here to serve YOU with the exact amount of hours that fits your needs and requirements. Book yourself a call with us! Let’s break down your timeline step by step and let’s have a look at how many hours you actually need. Here you can ask if we can change something to what you actually need like 12 hours instead of these 15 hours of coverage.
More Than Just the Wedding Photography Packages
What I want to make clear to you is: there is always a lot more than what you actually see in the packages – especially when it comes to supporting and guiding you on this adventure. Keep in mind that there are more points than this blog that guide you to see what we offer above “just taking pictures”. But these are 3 of my (out of many) things that are usually not mentioned but included when looking through wedding photography packages:
Supporting you regarding the correct timeline, hours of coverage, as well as dos & don’ts about your wedding (so this wedding screams YOU)
Recommendations for other kick-ass professional wedding vendors we have worked with and ADORE.
Tip: We have been working in this industry for a while, so of course we do have our wedding besties, but we also have seen so much and that’s why I would always go for a recommendation from a wedding vendor I already adore, love, and booked with myself – nevertheless, your gut feeling comes first!
You get a hype-human, mental health supporter, blocker of stress, “timeline reminder”, and free stylist on your actual Wedding Day.
What You See in Wedding Photography Packages is What You Get
So when it comes to wedding photography packages themselves, if you do not see any albums on that list that’s because there is no album included in the package. That does not mean that the photographer does not offer albums, it just means that it is not included in that specific package with that specific price. So if there is something you specifically want, make sure to ask your photographer what your needs and wants are.
The Hours of Coverage in Wedding Photography Packages
So every photographer is different, but I haven’t ever heard anything else: the hours you book your photographer for are continuous. Meaning if your timeline has a two hour break this two hour break does not mean that our coverage also pauses.
We are still there, we are ready to work, and there to work! Unfortunately and (please) friendly said, it is not our problem if there’s nothing happening in the middle of the day. But do not worry and do not take it personally because the more hours you book, usually the “cheaper” every hour gets.
WHY? Because more often than not: the less hours you book, the more is happening in those few hours–meaning way more moments to be captured. The more hours you book, the less is happening (on average) because of eating breaks and other little pauses throughout the whole day.
But if you are unsure why, unsure what would be happening during a pause, or unsure why it is drawn up that way: ask your photographer. Share your thoughts. Once we know what’s going on in your mind with whatever questions you may have, we can better understand what to clarify on a bit better to give you a better answer.
Browse Wedding Photographer’s Websites & Presentations
Oftentimes, the questions that you are asking yourself have already been asked by former clients. We as business owners have implemented the answers into our overall information about our business and products/services. Often, we actually have worked on a FAQ page that serves you even better because you have a proper commonly asked questions and answers form.
Here is a list of services or things that might be included (sometimes can be booked as an add-on):
An Engagement Session
A 2nd photographer
Extra coverage hours
Online Gallery for both of you and family/friends/guests to view and download
Travel and accommodations, if needed
Edited High-Resolution photos
USB drive with photos
Photo Booth
Albums and physical photo prints
After Wedding Photo Shoot
Editing / Retouching
Am I Allowed to Ask for a Discount on Wedding Photography Packages?
First off, everything is allowed. However, please keep in mind that asking for a discount unfortunately implies that you think our work, our art, and our services are not deserving of it’s (money) value. Alas, because of the society we live in, we can kind of only provide value by putting a dollar sign at the front of it.
When asking for a discount, you might get a “nope, no discounts” or a hesitant “yes”. Typically when you get a yes, you’ll receive way less because you think our work is less deserving actually. It just kind of leaves a very very bitter aftertaste and once that happens there’s no changing that.
One fact for sure is that we can make “any” budget work. All we need to do is adjust the hours of coverage and not the price. We have worked hard to get where we are today and we honestly want THE BEST FOR YOUR DAY. That also means a financial investment for us to serve you to the fullest and the dedication you, your love, and your big investment – called your wedding Day – deserves.
Your relationship, love and with that – your wedding day – deserves our full attention, dedication and our love for what we do. These memories should always bring a small to your face and give you a warm feeling in your heart.
Max
My recommendation
Something I’d recommend to you if you really do not think the presented wedding photography packages work into your budget but you really want to book that photographer. Ask something along these lines of:
“Is there any way we can chat to maybe have a look on how we can make this work or change our timeline. We have a budget of XYZ, which only fits the 8 hour package but we think we need the 12 hours package. We would absolutely LOVE to book you.”
BTW: It’s always okay to say no and that you either have gone with another photographer or that our wedding photography packages are not compatible with your budget. Just tell us so we stop thinking about you and wondering why you guys are not texting us back. Ghosting is not cool.
A fellow photographer has actually written an Instagram Guide about “What Your Photographer Wants You to Know, But Won’t Tell You ”. I think it pretty much sums up some of the things that we are thinking and you should also know. Especially the first part of, we are not trying to cheat you .
Obviously all of these points go together. They cannot be taken apart and looked at individually. Just as an FYI hehe.
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Hi there friends, I’m Max.
I’m an International Wedding, People, and Lifestyle Photographer based out of Switzerland – travelling world wide for you.
My photography is a celebration of life, raw emotions, pure happiness, and love. The focus: on you and all the small and big moments.
Part of my services is being a part of my client’s journey and everything leading up to their big event. I love to openly share some of that experience and knowledge to help you get to your kick-ass celebration!
Learn more about me here !
